'Cesar Chavez' film inspires gathering

Niece of farmworkers advocate organizes screening to encourage students

SAN MARCOS  The niece of civil rights activist Cesar Chavez is holding a tailgate party today, Friday, March 28, for San Marcos high school and college students ahead of a screening of the new feature film “Cesar Chavez,” starring Michael Peña and Rosario Dawson.

“This movie is a very deserving honor for a man that dedicated his entire life to making life better for all farmworkers,” said Teresa Arias, the niece of Cesar and Helen Chavez. “His dedication and nonviolent tactics earned him respect. He always fought for what he believed was right.

“Growing up from a very young age I loved and looked up to him not because of what I read in books or things people said, but because I knew the man. He was gentle and kind with a beautiful spirit about him.”

Arias organized the event to encourage young people to see the biopic about her uncle. She said she reached out to Mission Hills and San Marcos high schools, Cal State San Marcos and Palomar College, with many teachers agreeing to give their students extra credit for attending the movie.

The tailgate party will be at 5 p.m. at the Clock Tower at Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Road. Arias will lead a caravan at 6:30 to the Edwards San Marcos Stadium 18 movie theater, 1180 W. San Marcos Blvd.

The group will attend the 7:25 p.m. showing of the movie, which is rated PG-13, Arias said. Admission is $12 for adults and $8.50 for students. No RSVP is required, but advanced ticket purchase is recommended. The theater capacity is 290.

Food from Manny’s TJ Tacos will be available for purchase at the tailgate. Attendees can bring lawn chairs, blankets, and their own beverages, but alcohol is not permitted.